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This phase II trial is studying how well giving MS-275 together with GM-CSF works in treating patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and/or relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. MS-275 may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth and by blocking blood flow to the cancer. Colony-stimulating factors, such as GM-CSF, may increase the number of immune cells found in bone marrow or peripheral blood. Giving MS-275 together with GM-CSF may be an effective treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia

I. Determine the clinical activity of this regimen, in terms of changes in peripheral blood counts and changes in individual patient transfusion requirements, in these patients.

II. Determine the biologic activity of this regimen, in terms of changes in the peripheral blood and bone marrow phenotype (i.e., induction of markers of myeloid differentiation or lymphoid differentiation) and changes in detectable cytogenetic abnormalities in the blood and marrow compartments, in these patients.

III. Determine the toxicity profile of this regimen in these patients.

OUTLINE:

Patients receive oral MS-275 on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Patients also receive sargramostim (GM-CSF) subcutaneously once daily on days 1-42 in courses 3 and 5 and on days 1-35 in courses 1, 2, 4, and 6. Treatment repeats every 6 weeks for 2-6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

After completion of 2 courses of study therapy, patients who achieve a complete or partial response may receive an additional 4 courses. Patients who maintain stable disease for more than 2 months after completion of 6 courses of study therapy may receive an additional 6 courses at the time of disease progression, provided they meet original eligibility criteria.

Patients receive oral MS-275 on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Patients also receive sargramostim (GM-CSF) subcutaneously once daily on days 1-42 in courses 3 and 5 and on days 1-35 in courses 1, 2, 4, and 6. Treatment repeats every 6 weeks for 2-6 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. After completion of 2 courses of study therapy, patients who achieve a complete or partial response may receive an additional 4 courses. Patients who maintain stable disease for more than 2 months after completion of 6 courses of study therapy may receive an additional 6 courses at the time of disease progression, provided they meet original eligibility criteria.

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Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Senior)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Diagnosis of 1 of the following diseases by bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy: